Aviles, Spain

Port Overview

Avilés is a major port city located on the central coast of Asturias in northern Spain, west of Cabo de Peñas, at the mouth of the Avilés estuary. With a population of around 79,000, it ranks as the third-largest city in Asturias, after Oviedo and Gijón. Historically an industrial and steelmaking hub, Avilés remains strategically important for regional heavy industry and maritime trade, serving as a key gateway for bulk cargo and industrial exports. While the port’s annual TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) capacity is not among Spain’s largest, it is a vital node for regional logistics, supporting both industrial activity and growing cultural tourism.

Facilities & Infrastructure

The Port of Avilés features over 2 km of public mooring with a 12 m draft, specialized terminals for bulk, liquid bulk, general cargo, and metalworking products, as well as a major fishing complex. Facilities include frame cranes, container cranes, mobile cranes, forklifts, conveyor belts, and hoppers. The port has direct rail connections, 375,000 m² of storage, and modern fish market infrastructure. Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are not specifically mentioned.

Container Terminals

Avilés, Spain’s container terminal features six quays with a total berthing line of approximately 2 km and a maximum depth of 14 meters. The port’s annual container handling capacity is modest, primarily serving regional traffic. Automation is limited, with operations relying mainly on conventional equipment such as cranes and forklifts. Major operators include Algeposa, which specializes in general and bulk cargo, and the port authority manages container activities.

Port Services

• Container handling: Facilities for loading, unloading, and storage of containers, including container cranes and equipment.
• Cargo operations: Handling of general cargo, bulk cargo, steel products, and project cargo with specialized terminals and direct rail connections.
• Ship services: Pilotage, towage, mooring, ship agency, and ship supply available 24/7.
• Warehousing: Over 375,000 m² of storage space for various goods, including long-term and specialized storage solutions.
• Customs: On-site customs clearance and documentation services for import/export operations.

Global Connectivity

Avilés, Spain is a northern Atlantic port serving the Asturias region, with direct maritime links to over 200 ports worldwide. It handles dry bulk, liquid bulk, and general cargo, supporting industries such as chemicals, minerals, and machinery. Avilés connects to major European markets via rail and sea, with shipping routes reaching key destinations in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Its strategic location enables efficient access to both regional and international trade corridors.

Port Statistics

Port of Avilés, Spain – Key Statistics (2025):

• TEU throughput: Approximately 10,000–15,000 TEU annually (minor container port)
• World ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top container ports
• Number of berths: 3
• Port area: Classified as a large port; specific land area not publicly stated
• Shipping lines: Serviced by regional and short-sea shipping lines, primarily for bulk and general cargo

The port mainly handles bulk, breakbulk, and some containerized cargo, serving regional trade in northern Spain.